Area Attractions

Great places to try out something a little different. Area Attractions

THE BLOWING ROCK

BLOWING ROCK. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, established in 1933. It’s an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level and overhanging Johns River Gorge, 3,000 feet below. Legend tells of a Chickasaw maiden and her lover, a Cherokee brave, who lept from the cliff and was returned by a gust of wind. ⃣ 828-295-7111.

theblowingrock.com. See ad on page 19

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

LINVILLE. Grandfather Mountain is one of the most well-known, beloved places for visitors to spend their time. Boasting the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (Calloway Peak, elev. 5,946 ft.) Grandfather Mountain has a vantage point for spectacular views of the beautiful southern Appalachians. Visit the wildlife habitats, journey along one the many hiking trails, buy a snack at the Top Shop and walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge! ⃣ 800-468-7325.

grandfather.com. See ad on page 17

HORN IN THE WEST

BOONE. Dr. Kermit Hunter’s Horn in the West is one of the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War dramas being performed today. The 2022 season marks its 70th summer in the High Country! For those who live here, it’s simply a tradition. A cast of fifty characters takes the stage to present the history and dreams of our forefathers through drama, dance and music in this outstanding outdoor production. ⃣ 828-264-2120. horninthewest.

com. See ad on page 17

LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAIN

FERGUSON. Created in 1985, Leatherwood Mountains is an established residential community & vacation resort offering luxury amenities. Once Leatherwood Mountains gets in your soul, you may never want to leave. The resort makes memories that will last a lifetime! Our beautiful wooded campground is located on the banks of Elk Creek and offer 20 & 30 AMP power & water hook up year round. We also have the Saddlebrook Restaurant’s dining room with an outdoor dining area. Leatherwood has a 1-mile section of NC Hatcherysupported trout waters and a stocked fishing pond perfect for a lazy afternoon with the kids! And for our younger guests who haven’t discovered the value in an idle afternoon, there are many different activities located inside the gates of Leatherwood Mountains to fill the void. Plus a Leatherwood trail map can provide days of the most beautiful hiking one could ask for. Kids can also play tennis, swim in the pool, ride horses, fish and play basketball all within our resort! Ride seasoned trail horses or mules and experience the outdoors in a relaxed, unhurried manner. Beginner horseback riders are always welcome. ⃣

800-462-6867. leatherwoodmountains.com. See ad on page 2

LINVILLE CAVERNS

MARION. Located at the southern gateway to western NC’s High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages who invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created “inside a mountain.” Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937. Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. Tours take visitors along a level walk to see “inside” Humpback Mountain that features amazing mineral color, unique formations, an underground stream with native trout and a peek into total darkness. ⃣ 828-756-4171.

linvillecaverns.com. See ad on page 18

MYSTERY HILL

BLOWING ROCK. The house that defies physics, Mystery Hill, is a gravitational anomaly. Here you’ll stand at a 45-degree angle, see balls roll uphill and witness other inexplicable phenomenon. In the Hall of Mystery, you’ll find puzzles, hands-on experiments and optical illusions. Don’t forget to visit the Heritage Museum and the Artifact Museum. Also axe

throwing is now available - a friendly competition in which people throw axes at targets to see who is the better shot. ⃣ 828-264-2792.

mysteryhill-nc.com. See ad on page 19

THE CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE

BOONE. Located at 400 Tracy Circle, The Children’s Playhouse is open year round for hands-on play for kids from birth to age 8 and their favorite grown-ups. ⃣ 828-263-

0011. goplayhouse.org. See ad on this page

TWEETSIE RAILROAD

BLOWING ROCK. Since 1957, Tweetsie Railroad has been creating memories and offering a family friendly Wild West adventure. An interactive experience of music, entertainment and tradition rich in American history, Tweetsie is fun for the whole family. For more than 50 years, visitors have ridden the tracks on the historic Number 12 locomotive on a three-mile adventure including a stop at a historic western fort. Hop on board for Tweetsie’s Wild West adventure! The park also features live shows, over a dozen carnival rides, gift shops and an animal park. ⃣

1-877-TWEETSIE. tweetsie.com.